Flat roofs = disaster

From where I live in Old Town I can see many flat roofs - it is part of the Old Town architecture. So what - you say?

Well, it will most likely lead to disaster for many businesses because of recent snow, rain, snow, rain and of course warmer weather. How so?

Neither the property owners nor the businesses they house are doing anything to reduce the extra load on the flat roofs. No one is making any attempt to remove the snow - while it is or was still snow - off the roofs.

The the snow alone puts significant weight on the roofs, but couple that with ice that is forming from the partial warming and then freezing with the cycle repeating is a recipe for disaster - failed roof with water damage to the premises.

The ice that forms on a flat roof typically makes a dam blocking drainage and forcing the water elsewhere, e.g., under the roof or down the inside walls. [KGW].

Obviously, the ice build up and wet snow adds to the weight the roof will hold or is even required to hold according to building codes.

Also KGW reports that as of Monday 14 inches (seems high) of snow had accumulated in Portland; 15 inches equals the load design of 25 pounds per square foot.

Unclear though whether that applies to roofs in general or to home or businesses in particular.

But, I have seen another report that stated: "10-12 inches of new snow is equal to one inch of water, or about 5 lbs per square foot of roof space."

Beats me the difference, the concept is still the same - great risk for flat roofs with ice build up.

The obvious solution is removal of the snow - but I have seen none.

This is Old Town.

Will the businesses have insurance for damage because of water damage or roof failure? Business interruption insurance? Probably not. Who would have thought that such a storm would occur?

Do the property owners have insurance? Possibly. But again - who would have predicted such a storm?

Arguably, it is their responsibility, but assuming they have insurance and that they have not via the lease shifted the risk - are the property owners responsible for the damage to the businesses within the property?

Maybe even a better question - how creative will the insurance companies get to avoid, as long as possible, paying claims.

Of course those affected the most are those close to the roof, but in Old Town many of the restaurants are just that.

The Portland Business Journal reports that: "Portland's restaurant scene in trouble." The Journal: "Observers can't remember a worse year for Portland restaurants."

Bottom line - many small businesses like restaurants may be facing extinction not just more economic problems.

Somebody better get shoveling - Old Town can't afford a loss of more restaurants.